Our teachers

Our extensive range of English courses are run by an international team of dedicated and highly qualified English teachers who are also native speakers of the English language.

John Duff

BRITISH - Born in Jarrow Tyne & Wear. ''I'm a Geordie!''

Please tell us about your teaching experience.

''I have been teaching English since 2012. First and foremost I am a Telecommunications Engineer with Technical Training experience since the age of 25. I am now 62 years old so I have a lifetime of experiences to share with the students.''

Please tell us what you love about Malta.

''The Maltese people are very similar to Geordies, if you need anything they will bend over backwards to help you. The Maltese islands are steeped in history so if you like the sun the sea and stories about the past then Malta is the place to be.''

Please tell us about your favourite Alpha School Student memory.

''A young Belgian girl came to learn English at Alpha school. The day she arrived she couldn’t speak a word of English. She started in the Beginner class for a couple of weeks until she could say simple English greetings and phrases. She continued in the Elementary class for a number of weeks until she was confident enough to come to my class (Pre-Intermediate). In Pre Intermediate she took off exponentially. She actually told me that it was her duty to learn English because she had promised her Mum. She did not go out in the afternoon or evening but only studied English. She was at Alpha School for four months and went back to Belgium at Upper Intermediate level speaking and writing English almost fluently. The moral of the tale is you can do anything if you put your mind to it.''

Mary Abela

AUSTRALIAN

Please tell us about your teaching experience.

''I did my CELTA course in Sydney, Australia in September 2014 and I’ve been teaching at Alpha School ever since. I’ve also completed a Train the ELT Trainer course and I’m enjoying my role as a Teacher Trainer and Assistant Director of Studies.''

Please tell us what you love about Malta.

''The relaxed life style and that everything and everyone is just a stone’s throw away.''

Please tell us about your favourite Alpha School Student memory.

''Favourite Alpha Student memory is relived every time a former student (normally a young learner) walks into the classroom for lessons with a huge grin on their face and gives me a big hug and is happy to be back at Alpha School learning English.''

Chris Reene

BRITISH

Please tell us about your teaching experience.

''I’ve been teaching since graduating from Uni in 1998 so I have many years of classroom experience under my belt. In the UK I teach 11-16 year olds in a Secondary School in south-east England. I have taught Science but now I teach languages full-time. In Malta I teach English as a Foreign Language to people of all ages and I’ve been doing this since 2011. I love my job in both countries!''

Please tell us what you love about Malta.

''I adore everything about Malta from its people to its climate and from its ancient history to its modern history. There’s just so much to see and do on such a small set of islands. A simple swim in the sea is my ultimate pleasure though. I encourage as many people as possible to visit Malta to experience the place first-hand.''

Please tell us your favourite Alpha School student memory.

''It is difficult to pick out just one moment in my teaching career that is the most memorable but something I get a buzz from every time it happens is when one of my students understands something clearly for the very first time. It is like turning on a light. They are always happy and it makes me feel happy too. It’s extremely rewarding and such a feel-good moment. Brilliant.''

Peter Warren

BRITISH - ''I'm from London!''

Please tell us about your teaching experience.

''I have been teaching English for 3 years, just under two years teaching French students for a private company in the UK and just over one year here at Alpha School.''

Please tell us what you love about Malta.

''I had been travelling to Malta on holiday for about twenty years before deciding to come and settle here. The local people are some of the friendliest that I have ever met and the local cuisine is excellent. Although it can be really hot in the summer months, Malta has an ideal climate for living and enjoying life to the full. My favourite places in Malta are the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the splendid old city of Mdina which overlooks the whole northern and eastern regions of Malta.''

Please tell us about your favourite Alpha School Student memory.

''It's a joy to be teaching English especially to those students who are of lower levels and to see the improvement they make, even in just a few weeks. One student in particular who I really enjoyed teaching, and who thrilled me the most, was an Italian man – He could hardly say anything when he first came into my classroom, his vocabulary was limited and he didn't know very much grammar. Several weeks later in a one-to-one class, this was actually the last class I had with him, he spoke solidly for two hours about his life, family, work and interests. What a transformation! The man I first met several weeks earlier who kept apologising for his inability to speak is now able to hold a conversation with an Englishman.''

Susan Norris

Following a successful 20 year career as the European Marketing and Communications Director for an international science and engineering consultancy, Susan decided to take a new direction and to English as a Foreign Language. She studied for her TELT and TEFL exams in Malta and particularly enjoys working with adult learners.